In the annals of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football, the annual gridiron clash between the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Rattlers and the Howard University Bison stands as a storied rivalry steeped in tradition, passion, and competitive excellence. With over a century of history, this matchup has produced unforgettable moments, legendary players, and a fiercely loyal fan base.
Historical Rivalry
The FAMU-Howard rivalry dates back to 1909, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. Since then, they have faced off 74 times, with FAMU holding a slight edge with 38 wins to Howard’s 34. The rivalry has been highlighted by memorable games, including FAMU’s 22-13 victory in 1926, which marked the Rattlers’ first win over a major northern college.
In recent years, the rivalry has continued to produce thrilling contests. In 2017, FAMU rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat Howard 32-29 in overtime. The following year, Howard returned the favor, edging out FAMU 28-24 in Washington, D.C.
Game Details
The 2022 FAMU-Howard game will be played at Howard’s William H. Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C., on October 22, 2022. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN+.
Team Profiles
FAMU Rattlers
The FAMU Rattlers enter the 2022 season as the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division champions. Led by head coach Willie Simmons, the Rattlers have a talented roster that includes quarterback Ryan Stanley, running back Bishop Bonnett, and wide receiver Xavier Smith. FAMU is known for its high-powered offense and aggressive defense, which ranked among the top units in the FCS in 2021.
Howard Bison
The Howard Bison, under the leadership of head coach Larry Scott, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2021 season. The Bison return several key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Quinton Williams, running back Jarett Hunter, and linebacker Tony Weaver, Jr. Howard boasts a balanced offense and a stout defense that has made a name for itself with timely turnovers.
Key Matchups
The FAMU-Howard game is always filled with exciting matchups, and this year’s contest promises to be no different. Here are a few key areas to watch:
- Quarterbacks: FAMU’s Ryan Stanley and Howard’s Quinton Williams are two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the FCS. Both players possess strong arms and athleticism, making them capable of making big plays through the air or on the ground.
- Running backs: Bishop Bonnett leads a deep running back corps for FAMU, while Jarett Hunter is a key cog in the Howard offense. Both running backs are physical runners who can make plays in short-yardage situations and break away for big gains.
- Wide receivers: Xavier Smith is FAMU’s top pass-catching threat, while Howard has a trio of talented receivers in Anaucia Durham, Kyle Anthony, and Kenji Christian. These receivers are known for their speed, route-running skills, and ability to make contested catches.
- Defense: Both FAMU and Howard have strong defenses that will be looking to make a statement in this rivalry game. FAMU’s defense is led by linebacker Isaiah Land, while Howard’s defense features All-American candidate Tony Weaver, Jr.
Prediction
The FAMU-Howard rivalry is always a toss-up, and this year’s game is no exception. Both teams have talented players and experienced coaching staffs, making it difficult to predict a clear winner. However, FAMU’s high-powered offense and the home-field advantage give the Rattlers a slight edge.
Prediction: FAMU 31, Howard 24
